Etna Sud: Trekking at High Altitude

Etna Sud’s trekking excursion at high altitude offers an exhilarating 4-hour adventure on the slopes of Mount Etna. Participants embark on a scenic cable car ride to 2,500 meters before embarking on a guided trek to breathtaking viewpoints, including the Bove Valley Lookout at 2,750 meters. Led by volcanological experts, adventurers explore the remnants of past eruptions and witness the bubbling magma at Crateri Sommitali. This unforgettable experience is suitable for those over 7 years old, ensuring a safe and captivating journey through a lunar landscape. For those seeking an adrenaline-filled day on one of Europe’s most active volcanoes, this tour may be just the excursion they’ve been searching for.

This experience made our list of the 10 Best Hiking And Trekking Tours In Catania.

Key Points

• Trekking tour on Mount Etna, priced at €132 per person, offers a 4-hour excursion with a cable car ride to 2,500 meters and guided exploration of the 2001 eruption site.
• The tour is limited to 8 participants, available in Italian and English, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and flexible booking.
• The meeting point is at Rifugio Sapienza, located 1,900 meters above sea level, with the trek reaching heights of 2,500 meters and beyond.
• Highlights include the Bove Valley Lookout at 2,750 meters for panoramic views, and the observation of the Cisternazza crater depression and bubbling magma at Crateri Sommitali.
• The tour is led by multilingual volcanological experts, providing insights into the geological features and a unique lunar landscape experience during the trek.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Trekking at High Altitude tour on Mt. Etna offers a unique opportunity to explore the volcano’s breathtaking landscapes.

Priced from €132 per person, the 4-hour excursion is limited to 8 participants and is available in Italian and English.

Guests can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and flexible booking options with no upfront payment.

The tour includes a cable car ride to 2,500 meters, guided exploration of the 2001 eruption site, and stunning views of Taormina and Syracuse.

Participants will also witness the Cisternazza crater depression and the Crateri Sommitali’s bubbling magma.

The uphill trek takes approximately 2 hours, followed by a 1.5-hour descent, with a volcanological expert guiding the group.

Meeting Point and Preparation

At the Rifugio Sapienza, located 1,900 meters above sea level, guests will gather for the start of the Trekking at High Altitude excursion.

Participants are asked to arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time. It’s important to note that this adventure isn’t suitable for children under 7 years old.

The meeting point provides a convenient starting point for the trek, which will take adventurers up to heights of 2,500 meters and beyond.

With a focus on safety and preparedness, this high-altitude experience promises to be a memorable journey for all those who embark on it.

Experience Highlights

A cable car whisks participants up to 2,500 meters, where they can explore the traces left by the 2001 eruption.

The trek continues to the Bove Valley Lookout at 2,750 meters, offering panoramic views of the surrounding towns of Taormina and Syracuse.

At the summit, visitors observe the Crateri Sommitali with its bubbling magma and visit the crater depression called Cisternazza.

This surreal lunar landscape provides a one-of-a-kind experience, guided by a multilingual volcanological expert who shares their knowledge of the volcano’s fascinating geological features and history.

Trekking Details

For the trekking portion, participants embark on an approximately 2-hour uphill trek. The descent takes around 1.5 hours.

During the trek, visitors experience a surreal landscape resembling the moon. They’re guided by a multilingual volcanological expert who provides insight into the unique geological features of Mount Etna.

The trek culminates at the Bove Valley Lookout, situated at an elevation of 2,750 meters, offering sweeping views of Taormina and Syracuse.

Along the way, trekkers observe the Cisternazza crater depression and the Crateri Sommitali, where bubbling magma can be seen.

The trekking experience allows participants to enjoy the captivating volcanic environment of Mount Etna.

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Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour package includes a multilingual guide, round-trip cable car transportation, and all necessary equipment. This ensures a seamless and hassle-free experience for participants.

However, the tour excludes any items not explicitly mentioned in the inclusions, such as personal expenses, meals, or additional activities.

It’s important to note that the tour’s feasibility is subject to the prevailing weather conditions on Mount Etna. This means that the tour may be canceled or altered if the volcano’s conditions are deemed unsafe for trekking.

Participants should be prepared for potential changes and come equipped with appropriate attire and footwear for the variable mountain environment.

Volcano Exploration

Multilingual volcanological experts guide participants through an awe-inspiring journey of discovery on Mount Etna. The trek ascends to the summit area, where visitors can explore the remnants of the 2001 eruption and observe the Crateri Sommitali with its bubbling magma. Reaching the Bove Valley Lookout at 2,750 meters, trekkers are rewarded with stunning vistas of Taormina and Syracuse. The surreal, lunar-like landscape of the Cisternazza crater depression completes this unforgettable experience. Participants are equipped with necessary gear and guided every step of the way, ensuring a safe and informative exploration of this iconic active volcano.

Crater Feature	Description
Crateri Sommitali	Bubbling magma
Bove Valley Lookout	Panoramic views of Taormina and Syracuse
Cisternazza	Crater depression with surreal, lunar-like landscape
2001 Eruption Traces	Remnants to be explored
Summit Area	Reached by cable car

Breathtaking Vistas

Atop the cable car ride, trekkers are rewarded with breathtaking vistas that captivate the senses.

At 2,750 meters, the Bove Valley Lookout offers panoramic views of the majestic Taormina and Syracuse. The surreal landscape, resembling the moon’s surface, provides a truly otherworldly experience.

As the trek continues, the Cisternazza crater depression and the bubbling magma of the Crateri Sommitali come into view, showcasing Etna’s raw volcanic power.

Guided by a volcanological expert, hikers witness the traces of the 2001 eruption, adding a layer of geological fascination to the breathtaking scenery.

This high-altitude adventure offers an immersive exploration of Etna’s natural wonders, leaving trekkers in awe of the mountain’s beauty and might.

Booking and Cancellation

Booking this high-altitude trekking adventure on Mt. Etna is a straightforward process.

The tour is priced at €132 per person and lasts 4 hours. Group size is limited to 8 participants, and the languages offered are Italian and English.

Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy, which allows them to receive a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. The tour also features flexible booking, enabling guests to reserve their spot without any upfront payment.

Visitors should arrive at the meeting point, Rifugio Sapienza, at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start time.

It’s important to note that the tour isn’t suitable for children under 7 years old.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Health Requirements for This Trek?

The tour has a minimum age requirement of 7 years old. However, it’s not suitable for young children due to the high altitude and challenging terrain. Participants should be in good physical condition to handle the strenuous uphill trek.

What Is the Level of Difficulty for This Trek?

This high-altitude trek is moderately challenging, requiring a good level of fitness. The uphill climb takes around 2 hours, while the descent lasts about 1.5 hours. It’s not suitable for children under 7 due to the difficulty.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drink?

Participants can bring their own food and drink on the trek. The tour includes essential equipment, but any additional personal items like snacks or beverages are the responsibility of the individual trekkers.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Activity?

The tour has age restrictions, as it’s not suitable for children under 7 years old. Participants must be at least 7 years old to join this high-altitude trekking activity on Mount Etna.

Can I Rent Any Equipment On-Site?

The tour includes the necessary equipment for the trek, such as helmets and hiking poles. However, there is no option to rent additional gear on-site. Participants must bring their own suitable footwear and clothing for the high-altitude hike.

Recap

Etna Sud’s 4-hour trekking excursion offers an unforgettable adventure at high altitudes. Guests embark on a scenic cable car ride before hiking to breathtaking viewpoints, including the Bove Valley Lookout. Led by volcanological experts, they explore the remnants of past eruptions and witness bubbling magma. This captivating journey through a lunar landscape is suitable for adventurers aged 7 and above, ensuring a safe and exhilarating experience.

You can check if your dates are available here: